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Thanks for all of your great replies. I'm sorry I couldn't post yesterday. Mondays are always way too busy.

Chapter 16

A week later...

Ned was sitting in a GH waiting room. He was thinking about what V had asked him. He didnt really give her any kind of straight answer, because inside he didnt know the answer. Then, she went on to tell him, Jax still loves Skye. She explained to Ned how she had come to that conclusion, she had spent time observing Jaxs reactions to the subject of Skye, and she knew Jax almost as well as she knew herself, and she could see the truth. It didnt really surprise Ned, though. He knew that Jax still had feelings for Skye, but it really hadnt affected him. But as he sat there waiting, he couldnt help but wonder how strong the feelings were between Skye and Jax.
Before Jax had left town, he had asked Ned to help Skye by giving her a job at ELQ. He told Ned not to worry that Skye knew they were just friends. He remembered Skye going off on a tantrum about just being friends once, and he remembered Jaxs constant use of the word friend. Maybe Jax was using the word to keep a distance from Skye.
Ned knew that V was right, though. He shook his head, because while he was convinced that Jax still loved Skye, he was starting to fall for her himself. He took a deep breath and
sighed.
Jax was walking towards Vs room when he saw Ned. He plopped down on the seat next to him. Visit V yet, he asked.
No. I...Im waiting for Skye.
Something wrong?
No. Just a check up, Ned made up what seemed to be a valid excuse.
Oh.
Ned saw Skye come out of the doctors office and he stood. She looked at him. She had so many emotions running through her that all she saw was Ned smiling at her. She walked over to him. I have a new family, she quietly said. She bit her lip, smiled, and cried all at once. Ned hugged her, and then she looked down to see a bewildered Jax sitting there on the couch behind Ned.
Um, hi, he said.
Jax, she said.
Jax saw Rae and Chuck approaching. Rae, Chuck.
Skye finally broke her hug from Ned. It turns out that it wasnt divine intervention or luck that I was able to donate the bone marrow for Vs transplant, she explained to Jax.
Were sisters, half-sisters, actually.
Jax swallowed. Does V know?
Skye shook her head. Not yet. She turned to Chuck. I...how are you..., Skye tried to search for the question she intended to ask, but she was having a hard time thinking of the right way to ask.
I would like to talk to her in private about this. He smiled at Skye. And then you can talk to your sister. He hugged his new daughter and kissed her on the forehead. I love you. Then he walked off to Vs hospital room.
Skyes eyes welled up with tears. Its good to finally know the truth.
Ned noticed the wounded look on Raes face, and he felt bad for her. He could tell that Skye had a death grip on her anger about being lied to. He couldnt blame her, but he didnt really see how he could blame Rae, either, especially considering his situation with baby Kristina. Rae, would you care to go for a walk, he asked.
Id love to. Itd give me a chance to learn more about my new son-in-law, Rae answered.
Ok. He turned to Skye. Well just be in the hospital garden. Ok? Ned kissed Skye on the cheek. She nodded, and Ned left with her mother.
Skye turned to Jax. So, she said in extendedness, not sure what else there was to talk about.
Congratulations, he offered. He then hugged her, but she pulled back.
She was feeling very uncomfortable. Her man ran wild trying to think of something else to say to him. I guess I should thank you.
Why?
Well, if you hadnt brought my sister here, I may have never known the truth.
Skye, if I had known, he started to say, then stopped himself. Im just glad that you know the truth.
Skye smiled. It is refreshing. She sighed. You know, most of what I know about V came from you and Ned. Ive talked to her a handful of times, but I by no means have a way to gauge how shes going to take news like this. So, how do you think shell take this?
Jax dug his hands in his pockets, trying to think about the situation and V being in the midst of it. He really had no clue how she would handle it. To be honest, Im not really sure. Its probably going to take some time for her to adjust. I suspect itll take you some time to adjust as well.

V was listening to some music on her CD player, when Chuck walked into the hospital room. Pop. She took off her headphones and tossed them aside. She went over to her
father and hugged him.
Oh, you look like youre doing good, sweetheart.
I feel better than I have in months. The doctors think that I might be able to get out of here early. Maybe in a couple of weeks. V smiled, then turned to sit down on the bed.
Remind me to thank Skye, she said. She saved my life. So, you here to take a walk with me? I really would like to go out to the gardens.
We can do that in a little while. I have something that I have to tell you, Chuck said, as he sat down next to her on the bed.
What is it, she anxiously asked.
Do you remember the stories I told you about being in the Navy?
Of course.
And Operation Dart?
V nodded. Her father had told her what she thought was every single detail about his career in the Navy. She even remembered the operation names. Yes. I remember you
telling me about that. Your plane was shot down.
February of 65, Chuck said, thinking back to that terrible war and the terrible events that led to his returning home early on that ship with all of the other injured men.
Why are you telling me about this, V asked. I mean, I know the story. You were captured and injured. Youve still got the shrapnel in your leg.
Chuck shifted his weight. There was a reason for going back to the story, it was to explain what happened next. I never told you about when I came home, though. I came with all
of the others that were injured in various battles and operations. You see how they come home now from the war over in the Middle East, and thats a far cry from what we came home to. There were few people, and even fewer friendly faces. In fact, there werent any. People spit on us and called us baby killers, and then I found a sympathetic face with a welcoming smile and a willingness to listen to what I had been through, Chuck said remembering the face of a young Gretel.
Mom?
No. I didnt meet you mother for a few more months. Chuck had a stray tear run down his face at the mention of Vs mother, they really didnt talk much about her, it had been
too painful for both of them. V wiped the tear off her fathers face. He smiled at her, and grabbed her hand. He continued with his story, She was a kind girl. We went out that night and had some drinks. Probably too many, which is why I really...uh...I really dont drink. I...
Are you trying to tell me that something happened between the two of you, she asked her father. He nodded. Why are you... V stopped mid-sentence. She had been a detective, and now every piece of the puzzle was coming together. It all went back to the transplant. Skyes my sister?

Ned and Rae were walking through the hospital garden. Ned knew Rae was very hurt by the way Skye had treated her, he finally spoke up, Deep down, I have a feeling that Skye
wants to reach out to you, but she just...
She cant let herself do it, Rae finished the thought. She doesnt want to rely or depend on anyone.
Can you blame her, Ned asked. She does and she gets let down.
Rae stopped, she looked over at Ned. I deserved that, she said.
Its not just you, though, Ned replied. The way she sees it, everyone has let her down at some point.
Rae sighed. Thats why I told her that Alan was her father. I thought that he could give her all of the dependability that she needed. He was a man who she could trust. She could
have the kind of father that so desperately needed. And, I, well, I didnt exactly know her father or even remember his name, she said. Rae looked down feeling very ashamed.
Then looked up to ask Ned, Can Skye rely on you?
Ned kind of looked up into the sky, he wasnt really sure how to answer the question. Then he looked at Rae. She has helped me so much since Kristina came into my life, I would be there for her.
Do you love her?
I care deeply for Skye, he said.

Jax and Skye were sitting on the couch at the hospital. So were trapped in the storage cage at the hotel and shes telling me that she can figure a way out. She says, the best way to solve the problem is to first identify the problem. Like we didnt know what the problem was, Jax said laughing. Then of course, analyze the options, Jax said, Skye
nodded along, as he continued his story about V, and act decisively.
Very logical, Skye said, nothing like me.
Jax laughed. Very annoying actually was what I was thinking at the time.
Oh, so we do have something in common.
Anyhow, Jax continued his story, I offered to boost her up through the gap at the top of the cage. So, I boost her up and she falls and I catch her. She looks up at me, and
thinking back on it, it was the strangest look on her face. She turned and looked for her sheriffs department hat, because heaven forbid she be out of her uniform. Jax laughed at
his memories of Vs sudden thrust into his life after he had been arrested for drug trafficking.
But you did get out, apparently, Skye said.
Yeah. I think I ended up picking the lock or something like that.
I would say that V had a crush on you, Skye said, reflecting on the story.
Yeah, Jax said remembering how he used to turn to find V following behind him like a little puppy dog. He smiled, then looked over at Skye. Hey, can you blame her, he joked.
No, she said softly. She looked down, not believing she just said what she just said, then she looked back up at him, but instead of seeing what Jaxs feelings were on her comment,
she saw Alan standing by the nurses station. She got up and went over to him. You busy, she asked.

Thanks for the replies.
Before I post I have to say how great was that scene with Skye, Ned, and Kristina yesterday. I loved it! I'm starting to fall for this couple.
Anyways, on with my story.

Chapter 20

Skye came downstairs the next morning to hear V in the kitchen with Kristina. Come on, cooperate with me, huh, V pleaded, as Kristina cried.
Skye walked into the kitchen, and immediately went to Kristina. Morning, princess. Whats wrong, huh? She picked her up and held her close, calming the child down.
I...I was just trying to feed her, and she...well, we had a little disagreement, I guess, V said.
Its ok. Skye slowly put Kristina in her high chair. Were kind of cranky today, arent we, Kristina? She looked over at V. She woke up a couple of times in the middle of the night. Skye closed her eyes a couple of times in the middle of her thoughts and tiredness. I think shes just a little upset about her daddys business trips. Skye looked over at her sister and noticed she was dressed. She had a bowl of cereal, a glass of orange juice, and the newspaper sitting in front of her. Dont tell me. Youre a morning person?
V nodded.
Ned came in. Good morning. Look, V, if you want, there is a big breakfast spread up at the house that beats a bowl of cold cereal.
No. Im fine with the Cheerios. V leaned over and began to ear her cereal.
Well, I have to go up there and fill grandfather in on my trip. Ned put his suit jacket on. He kissed Skye on the cheek, then Kristina. Bye. He left.
V finished her bowl of cereal and drank her orange juice. I was thinking about taking a walk around the grounds. If you want, I could take Kristina with me now that shes settled
down, and you could get dressed.
We have something planned, Skye asked.
Maybe.
Well, Ill go shower and get dressed.
And Kristina and I will go out and smell the roses.

Grandfather, I dont understand it myself. They have been throwing up all sorts of roadblocks along the way. But this is it, I go back next week, and the deal will be sealed. Then I can spend more time with my daughter so she doesnt forget who I am.
AJ stood outside the door to the den, smirking.

Alexis walked out to the rose garden to see V walking through with a stroller. She rushed over to her. Hi, she said.
V looked up to see, Alexis.
Oh, sweetheart, Alexis said, looking down in the stroller at her daughter. She quickly picked her up. I...Ive missed you so much, she cried. Mommy loves you so much.
Alexis, I dont think this is a good idea.
Im her mother, Alexis said rather forcefully.
I know that. I do. And I respect that, believe me, I do. But youve done some things that I dont understand completely and I know that you arent supposed to visit Kristina, theres a court order. So, Im just not sure about this, Alexis.
Youre defending Skye! Sure she saved your life and all. And she is your sister. I guess I understand that. But if you knew what she had done, I dont think you would be quite so quick to defend her. Alexis put Kristina back in the stroller. Skye is an alcoholic, Alexis began her rant, Shes a master manipulator, a liar, and a kidnapper. She kidnapped Kristina, and for some reason Ned just let her waltz into his life to play house. Probably because he is letting something other than his brain do the thinking now.
Alexis...I dont condone kidnapping or any other crime for that matter. But I dont know why you think Skye is to blame for you not being able to see your daughter. You were the
one who killed a man, albeit in self defense. You were the one who faked mental illness. You were the one who dressed up as a butler, committing fraud and violating a court order. You know, you should be grateful youre not in prison or Ferncliffe. Now youve married AJ and you get the occasional chance to see your daughter, and every time you do, you berate Skye, and you blame her for something that is clearly not her fault. Skye is not the one who has custody of your daughter, Ned is. So get over it.
Alexis stood there silently. She could not believe that V had just laid everything out there in front of her the way she had. It was the truth, too, and Alexis almost felt bad about it.
V walked away, pushing the stroller with Kristina back towards the gatehouse, when she ran into Skye. Wow! That was some defense of me, she admired. But, Im not really
sure that I deserved it.
Alexis...she is a totally different person than I remember and I was tired of hearing her blame you for the current situation. But, V said, as she continued to walk on and Skye followed her, please tell me that she lied about you kidnapping Kristina.

Rae opened her hotel room door to find Chuck standing there. Hi. She pleasantly smiled.
I thought Id drive you to the airport, if thats ok with you, he asked.
That would be...great.

Skye and V were in Skyes car. Skye was driving. I did kidnap Kristina, she admitted. Actually, AJ and I did. It was a terribly stupid move to try and get Edward to let us back into ELQ. I regret letting everyone worry about her, but I dont regret kidnapping her. I fell in love with that little girl then.
Skye.
I know. I know. It was wrong. But you know, if you think thats terrible...maybe I should pull over and let you out of the car. Because if I told you about some of the other terrible
things I have done, youd want to run far, far away from me. Heck, Id jump out of this car right now if I could run away from the past, Skye said, as they came up to a red light,
and she stopped.
Well. V nodded. The past is the past, and you just have to move on.
Skye turned to look at her. Yeah. Move on. V nodded. A car horn honked. Skye looked up to see the light had changed to green. She let out a little laugh. Guess I should move on. They both laughed, as she pulled away from the intersection.

Rae stood in line to get on the plane back to Llanview. Chuck stood with her. Rae went to enter the gate. Chuck gave her sweet kiss on the cheek and for that moment, she saw the
young man in his naval uniform, the one from the night Skye was conceived.

Ok, what are we doing here, Skye asked, as she and V stood outside The Outback, which had a huge For Sale sign on it.
I used to live upstairs. V pointed up to the window of the apartment above the old restaurant. Mac told me that he was selling the place and that there were still a few things
of mine in my old apartment. V found a key in one of the planters outside and went to the door.
The Outback. Skye laughed, as she looked at the sign. What did they serve kangaroos and crocodiles, she joked.
V went inside, Skye followed her in and upstairs. There was a box sitting by the fireplace. V sighed. She picked up the box and looked through it. Some old pictures, sketch pads, journals. She looked at Skye. I thought I got everything out of here before I left with Simon. I guess I should be glad no one else rented the place. They might have looked through one of my journals and read about my terribly boring life. Come on, lets go.
They went back downstairs. V walked out quickly. Skye stood in the middle of what used to be the restaurant looking around. Hello, V called out after her.
Oh, Im sorry, Skye said. This place seems to have such a life left to it. Its a shame it closed.
Yeah, well, I guess it was time to move on, V joked with Skye, and they laughed.
Which reminds me, I have a doctors appointment that I have to get to.
Yeah.

Ned strolled Kristina down to the gatehouse. I promise you that when the dust settles on this business deal that well spend so much time together, youll be sick of me. He grinned at the baby, then opened the door to the house. Now, lets find out what Skye and V are up to today. He walked over to the desk and grabbed a note that had been left.

Skye and V sat in the car in parking garage of the hospital. So what happens now that youve gotten a clean bill of health, she asked.
I can go back to my regular routine. I can go back to work. Ill still have to have regular check ups, but everything else can go back to normal, V explained.
Um. Skye looked out the window on her side of the car, pretending to notice something off in the distance. She really didnt want to ask the question, but she felt like she had to.
You think youll go back to Rochester?
I do have a good job there and a home.
You have a place to stay in Port Charles. Always.
I cant live with you and Ned forever.
Sounds like youve made up your mind.
No. I havent.
Skye turned towards her sister. I have to be honest with you. I dont want you to leave. I just found my sister, my new best friend, and I dont want to lose that. Skye smiled
through her tears.
You wont, no matter where I am. Rochester isnt that far from Port Charles.
But things happen without warning. I mean...I...it just seems like right now you have every reason to stay here.

A while later...
Skye and V came back to the gatehouse. Ned looked at both of them. Something wrong, he asked.
No. V sighed. Everything is great. The doctor gave me the go ahead to go back to normal activities, including work.
Thats perfect, Ned said with a smile.

I'm going to be going out of town later this week. So, I won't be posting on a regular basis for probably two weeks or so. I'm going to be helping my sister pack and drive her half way across the country for school, so I'll be kind of busy. I will try and post as many chapters as I can on Tuesday.
That'll give some of you a chance to catch up with the story.

Chapter 21

Its perfect, Skye asked in anger. Shes thinking about going back to Rochester, she blurted out.
Oh, well, um, she could do that, Ned said as though he had another idea.
Ned, V asked.
I have an offer that I dont think you can refuse, he said.
What are you the Godfather, V joked.
No. In Port Charles, that role is permanently reserved for Sonny Corinthos. But, V, I am serious.

Jax was walking up to the gatehouse. He saw Vs box of things sitting at the door, so he picked it up. Hmmm. He knocked on the door.

Skye opened the door, as Ned was in the midst of his sales pitch. Were talking complete control of L&B. Three times what you were making in Rochester. Youll be close to your
family, and your pal over there. He pointed over at Jax. You can stay here as long as you need to. Have full access to anything on the grounds. I dont think you could ask for
anything more.
What about Eddie Maine, V asked.
What about him, Ned said.
Oh, please, no, V. Dont even suggest it, Jax said. I mean, I think that I have heard enough of Neds warbling.
Gee thanks, Ned said.
Besides I came here to offer you a job, Jax said to V. He put Vs box on the desk. This was outside. Jax turned and stared at Ned. I want to hire V as my personal assistant.
Double whatever Neds offered. A suite at the Port Charles Hotel, all of your meals charged to me, and... Jax thought for a moment. ...spa treatments once a week, he said with a grin. Plus, you wont have to listen to Neds singing CEO routine.
I kind of like his singing CEO routine, V said.
Oh, ok, Jax said. Well, Im flexible, you could listen to his racket on a CD. You were the best assistant I ever had.
Well, thank you, V said. I am very flattered both of you and Im overwhelmed. V looked at Ned, then Jax, then Ned, then Jax. Then she looked over at Skye, who shrugged, not knowing what to think of the whole situation. I am going to need some time to think this over. So, I cant make a decision right now. Ok?
Sure, Ned said.
Agreed, Jax said.
So, Jax, is there some other reason youre here, Ned asked.
Dinner.
What about it, Ned asked.
I was hoping that I could treat the three of you to dinner at the Grill, Jax said.
Sounds great, V said.
I want to spend some time with Kristina before I go out of town, again. But Skye, why dont you go with them, Ned suggested.
No. Actually, I have some plans, Skye said.
Ned had a curious look on his face, as did Jax and V.
Jax turned to V. Ok, well, lets go.
No negotiating any deals, ok, Ned said.
Sure, Jax said.
Why dont I believe you, Ned said. Jax laughed and left with V. Ned turned to Skye. Ok, what are you up to?
I have some things to do through. She walked over to the desk, where the box was sitting.
Whats that?
Some of Vs stuff.
Snooping?
Its not like I am going to read her journal or something. Im just going to look through this shoe box of old photos.
Ok, well, Im just going to be upstairs with Kristina, pretending that I know nothing about what youre doing. Ned left the room.
Skye took the shoe box and walked over to the couch, where she sat and started to look through the pictures.

Hey there, my little angel, Ned said, as he picked up Kristina and sat down on the nursery floor with her. She started to crawl around the room, as he happily watched. He sighed, thinking about everything that he had missed out on with Brook Lynn, including watching her crawl.

Skye shuffled through Vs pictures. She found some of her sister as a little girl, some with her parents. Their father was a very handsome man, and Vs mother was a beautiful blonde woman. They looked like a happy little family. Then Skye came to a picture of a teenage V with a blonde hair, blue eyed boy sitting on a porch swing, holding hands. She
found another picture of the two that looked like a prom picture.
Skye continued to sort through the rest of the pictures, not coming across any more with the boy or with Vs mother. She came to the last picture, which was stuck to the bottom
of the shoe box. It was the family, again, but in the picture Vs mother was pregnant. Skye studied the picture for awhile, remembering that V said she was an only child.

V and Jax walked over to Jaxs usual table at the Grill. The maitred came over with two menus. Mr. Jacks.
Thanks Henry.
Your waiter will be with you in a few minutes, Henry said, then left.
V opened the menu, and then closed it. Why do they always give you a menu. I mean, by now, you must have it memorized.
Jax put his menu down and tapped on the cover. Yeah. So, tell me are you really considering going back to work for Ned at L&B?
Ah, I believe that you and Ned had a gentlemans agreement on any negotiations, Jax. So, maybe we shouldnt discuss the situation, except for me to ask you one question.
Whats that?
Was your job offer serious, or were you just trying to one up Ned?

Ned came downstairs with Kristina in his arms. Im starved. How do you feel about having some of that left over pizza, he asked Skye, as he walked into the kitchen.
Skye was still looking at the picture, not really paying much attention to what Ned said. Sure. Skye went over to the box of Vs things. She grabbed one of the journals, contemplating opening it. But, she stopped herself, thinking about how she would feel if someone invaded her privacy. She put the journal back in the box.
She went into the kitchen, where Kristina was in her high chair, and Ned was putting the pizza in the oven. Do you know how long it takes to reheat a pizza in the oven, he
asked.
I think it says on the side of the box, she replied.
Ned picked up the box from the counter and looked at it. Here we go. He set the timer and sat down at the table. I hope pepperoni is ok.
Sure.
Ned noticed the picture in Skyes hand. What do you have there? Skye slid the picture across the table to him. Ned looked at it. A picture. Im going to assume this little girl is
V.
Yeah.
She was a cute kid.
Ned, look at the picture.
I am.
Closely.
What am I supposed to be seeing? Some hidden message or something?
No. Vs mother, look at her. Shes pregnant.
Ned looked up at Skye. Yeah?
V was an only child, or so she told me. Do you know anything about her childhood?
No. Its never come up. But Skye, maybe this is something that she doesnt feel like talking about.
Maybe. But she still wondered what the deal was.

Jax and V were at the Grill, eating their dinner. Maybe a little of both, Jax said. But V, I was serious when I said you were the best assistant Ive ever had, you know that, dont you?
V laughed, not sure if he was telling the truth about being the best assistant. Thanks. You are one of the best friends Ive ever had. Youve done so much for me.
You did a lot for me, too. You were there when Brenda went back to Sonny, you were there when I thought that I had lost her. Ill never forget the support that you gave me.
Jax took a bite of his food. I just wish you had been here when I messed everything up. Maybe if you had been here, I wouldnt have done those stupid things that I did. I wouldnt have hurt Skye.
V took a drink. You regret the way things ended?
Jax took a long swig of his champagne. I regret that it ended at all.
Jax?
Did I just say that outloud?
Yes.
Jax poured himself another glass of champagne and downed it, and poured another.